entreaty

Entreaty is a noun meaning an earnest, humble request or plea. It denotes a sincere appeal directed to someone who has the power to grant relief, mercy, or action. The word is formal and somewhat archaic in contemporary usage, and is most often found in literature, religious discourse, or historical narratives. The related verb entreat means to ask earnestly or to beg.

Origin: The term derives from Middle English entreate, from Old French entrete. Over time, entreaty acquired a connotation of humility and supplication that distinguishes it from more neutral terms like request or petition.

Usage: In modern English, entreaty is typically reserved for literary or ceremonial contexts. It may describe a petition for mercy, a plea for assistance, or a solemn appeal to a figure of authority. In everyday speech, alternatives like plea or request are more common, but entreaty remains recognizable and precise when a speaker wishes to emphasize humility and urgency.

Examples: The monk spoke with entreaty, asking the guards to grant him audience. An entreaty for mercy was presented to the ruler, asking him to spare the sentence.

See also: beseeching, petition, supplication, plea, importunity.